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Explore galaxies far, far away at the University of Sussex

Children and adults will be seeing stars during an evening of astronomical activities at the University of Sussex campus this month.

The University’s Stargazing Live event on Wednesday 18 January will include a theatrical musical-comedy show about science, an inflatable planetarium and opportunities to ‘Ask an Astronomer’.

If it is a clear night, Sussex astrophysics students and members of the East Sussex Astronomical Society will set up telescopes so that visitors can take a closer look at Mars, Venus, Orion and various star clusters.

During the evening there will be a range of other activities suitable for all ages, from primary school children to adults. No prior knowledge of astronomy is assumed to enjoy any of the activities.

There is no need to book tickets in advance - just turn up on the night with your friends and family. And there is no charge - the entire evening is completely free to visitors.

The community event is inspired by BBC Two’s ‘Stargazing Live’ TV programmes, which are presented by physicist Professor Brian Cox and comedian Dara O Briain.

The event in the Jubilee building is organised by University of Sussex astronomer Dr Darren Baskill, an Outreach Officer from the University’s Physics and Astronomy department.

Dr Baskill said: “As scientists it’s important for us to explain what we do – and why we do it – to the general public.

“This event will open the eyes of the public to how wonderful science is in general, and also to the cutting-edge astronomy research we do here at Sussex on a daily basis.”

A panel discussion during the Stargazing Live event will consider the future of astronomy; featuring world-renowned science author, Dr John Gribbin, a Visiting Fellow in Astronomy at Sussex, it will also include other University of Sussex astronomy researchers.